Easter Egg Roll: 1990

"Thousands of children frolicked on the White House lawn Monday, hunting wooden eggs and rolling real ones in a rite of spring that converted the presidential estate into a playground. President Bush joined briefly in the fun, blowing a shiny whistle to start an Easter Egg roll in which his 3-year-old granddaughter, Marshall Bush, was entered….Actually, there were no winners or losers in the 10-yard races. All comers got wooden eggs bearing the names of George and Barbara Bush."

—"White House lawn comes alive during the rite of spring," The Selina Journal, April 17, 1990

Date of Work: April 17, 1990
Medium: Photo
Credit: George H.W. Bush Presidential Library

Collection
The Kennedy Rose Garden

It is hard to imagine that it was something as casual as a lunch conversation between a newly elected president and an amateur gardener that gave rise to one of our nation's most iconic outdoor spaces. In this collection, Rose Garden designer Rachel Lambert Mellon explains how the grounds were so thoughtfully transformed, while others detail the White House's diverse
Collection
White House Easter Egg Roll

Since 1878, American presidents and their families have celebrated Easter Monday by hosting an "egg roll" party. Held on the South Lawn, it is one of the oldest annual events in White House history. It has changed and evolved through the years and each First Family has put their stamp on the popular public event. From the roll's origins to today,
Collection
White House in Bloom

The White House Grounds began as approximately 85 acres of land chosen by George Washington and were cultivated by garden-loving President Thomas Jefferson. These shifting grounds around the Executive Mansion have seen retaining walls, green houses, vegetable gardens, and beautiful flowers. Changes to the landscape came in long intervals and evolved to fit the era and the needs of the residents.
Podcast
Springtime at the White House

Featuring Jim McDaniel, former Director of the White House Liaison for NPS and Ellie Schafer, former Director of the White House Visitors Office
Collection
Cherry Blossoms

Since the first cherry blossom planting in 1912 by First Lady Helen Herron Taft, Washingtonians have celebrated the scenic beauty and the coming of spring the cherry trees represent. Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place in early spring when the blossoms are in full bloom, has become a major event, drawing tourists and locals alike. First ladies have
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White House 360 Tour: Springtime Scavenger Hunt Edition

Ah, springtime! The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and the sounds of playtime will echo across the South Grounds of the White House. Let’s celebrate spring with the White House 360 Tour: Spring Scavenger Hunt 2024 Edition. As you make your way through the tour, you’ll learn about the Easter Egg Roll, the cherry trees at t
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The Electric Career of Ike Hoover

A group of physicians and surgeons meeting in Washington 1891 was treated to a reception at the White House on the evening of September 24. President Benjamin Harrison moved among the gathering, and "extended a hearty grasp to each of the doctors."1 The event included "lively airs" by the Marine band, and a chance to wander through the conservatory and reception rooms.
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Easter Egg Roll Significant Dates

April 29, 1876 – President Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation protecting the public turf and grounds of the U.S. Capitol; egg rolling was among the activities banned. April 2, 1877 – It rained on Easter Monday, so the new law did not have to be enforced. April 22, 1878 - The first annual White House Easter Egg Roll was held after President Rutherford B. Hayes agreed to open
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About Our Authors

JAMES ARCHER ABBOTT is the Executive Director of the Lewes Historical Society in Lewes, Delaware. His publications include JANSEN, JANSEN Furniture, and Baltimore’s Billy Baldwin. He is the co-author of Designing Camelot. (WHH #60) WILLIAM ADAIR is a frame historian, conservator, and gilder in Washington, D.C. (WHH #54) MATTHEW ALGEO is a writer and journalist. He is the author of se
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Book Awards

2023 2023 Best Book Awards Furnishing the White House: The Decorative Arts Collection, Finalist, Art Life in the White House, Finalist, History: United States The Official White House Christmas Ornament: Collected Stories of a Holiday Tradition, Winner, Novelty & Gift Book Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Finalist, Children's Nonfiction Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Finalist, Children's
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Recent Book Releases

Official Residences Around the World by Abby Clouse-Radigan This survey of the official residences and offices of some fifty nations around the world represents nearly one thousand years of building and renovating. Who lives in these residences? What were their original purposes and how have they been adapted for modern use? How do they project and preserve each nation's heritage?
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White House Gardens Symposium Scholarly Contributors

Jim AdamsJim Adams has been gardening in Washington, D.C., for over 25 years. His D.C. career began at the U.S. National Arboretum, where he worked in the Fern Valley Native Plant Garden and then became Curator of the National Herb Garden. Following this, he served as Head Horticulturist for the British Ambassador’s Residence and then moved to th